Renovating old furniture

Don'tskipit · 2 November 2008 at 5:00PM

Hi all
I have been given and old mirror backed sideboard, approx 5' wide.
I'd say it's ugly but lovely!
The oval bevelled mirror is in good condition, but the woodwork wants a bit of TLC. The front is veneered, diamond shapes. And there is a bit of scratch damage.
Any help please?
Don't tell me to skip it!!
Any advice appreciated.
Ta

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ceridwen · 2 November 2008 at 5:15PM

Hmmmm....maybe it depends on what its like underneath that veneer. Is it the case that there is a decent "proper" wood underneath that veneer - but its just had a veneer put on top to look like a dearer wood?

I'm just wondering that - as from what you say of the design of it then I'm thinking maybe its an older piece of furniture - and not some modern chipboard item.

Perhaps - if there is something decent underneath that veneer - you might think of a way of removing said veneer and then using some woodstain or paint or something to colour it up??

I know what you mean about some older pieces of furniture - as I've looked at ones just abandoned down the "dump" sometimes and thought "Hmmm....old-fashioned looking colour/finish to the wood ....but basically a nice style and sturdy bit of furniture....I wonder......" and thought in terms of they could be colourwashed or limed or something.

EDIT: I put a link on todays post on my blog (see homepage) - where theres an article from a newspaper giving examples from a book about DIY furniture amendment.

Don'tskipit · 2 November 2008 at 5:21PM

Ta ceridwen,
Yep it is old.
Need to know how to remove build up of polish without damaging veneer.
Ta again

ceridwen · 2 November 2008 at 5:29PM

Hi

Well.....as I recall - mary43 has done some renovating of furniture before now....perhaps she knows.....I don't think she'd mind if you sent her a P.M. asking her advice on how to get that polish build-up off.

sillyvixen · 2 November 2008 at 7:06PM

dont skip it - i could not afford a dining table and chairs when i moved into my house but greatfully recieved a 1970's formica table and yellow plastic upholstered chairs free gratis. as i live in a very open plan house it did not go with any thing but was free. after several trips to various fabric suppliers with a cushion cover from my suite in my bag i managed to buy some cheap fabric that matched my sofa and it took me and my mum 6 hours to cover the 6 chair but only cost £10. now my dinning room matches the rest of the downstairs and i have been complimented on it.

you will find a way to make the furniture match your taste with minimal outlay and a bit of effort - much better than buying new - cheaper and a form of recyling.

all the best

Don'tskipit · 2 November 2008 at 7:56PM

Hi again,
Read somewhere that vinegar can remove old wax polish. does it have to be diluted?
Anyone tried it?

hot.chick · 2 November 2008 at 9:41PM

I sprayed some old wooden furniture white and changed the handles - did no preperation - just sprayed it...

looks pretty good

)

lizzyb1812 · 2 November 2008 at 10:09PM

I can remember my gran using vinegar to remove a build-up of polish. It would have been malt vinegar but I think any vinegar would do - vinegar is a mild acid and that is what must remove the polish. She used it neat. You could always try it on a side piece that won't really show.

I know furniture restorers use all sorts of stuff including wire wool and take great care and a lot of time restoring really good pieces, but perhaps a vinegar scrub, some Topps scratch cover and fresh polish would give you an acceptable finish?

dander · 3 November 2008 at 12:55AM

I would rub it down with fine wire wool. Veneers aren't so thin they can't take a bit of rubbing down - you're taking the surface finish off, not grinding the wood down. You could use a furniture cleaner to help if you like. Rub danish or teak oil all over, if the scratches are still visible after the rubbing down, use a wood-coloured wax crayon to fill them. Then give it a polish with a beeswax polish, should come up lovely!

If it's just the top surface that's suffered, just rub down and refinish the top. You don't need to do the whole thing if it isn't neccessary.

Penelope_Penguin · 3 November 2008 at 9:01AM

Hi there :beer: There's a thread here on removing wax build up

Please don't remove the veneer :eek: The wood underneath is likely to be of cheaper quality, and it unlikely to have been finished (planed and sanded smooth) so won't be nearly as nice as the veneer that you currently see

Good luck, Penny. x

silvasava · 5 November 2008 at 7:09PM

Methylated spirit will also remove any wax/grease build up. Penelope & Dander are correct - dont remove the veneer! If the surface is damaged use VERY fine wire wool to get rid of the varnish - if the surface has been damaged by heat rings try sanding also with VERY fine sandpaper - I've sometimes used a coloured satin varnish to re-coat and the furniture has come up like new but the secret is as usual - take your time on preparation - Good Luck

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Renovating old furniture

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